Austria

Best practice

Laakirchen city

In 2005/2006, the town of Laakirchen performed facility contracting in 10 municipal buildings and also refurbished the street lighting in this way. Moreover, energy accounting was introduced, which has since kept savings in sight. The district heating network, which makes use of the excess heat from the Laakirchen paper plant, was successively expanded and municipal and private buildings connected to the network.

Furthermore, as a Climate Alliance community, a commitment has been made to undertake extensive public relations work and disseminate detailed information. In 2003/2004, Laakirchen began with the collective purchase of solar systems to great success ; this system has also been implemented in many other Upper Austrian municipalities.

Mobilization of potential

Photovoltaic solar energy financing model in Laakirchen

As a member of Climate Alliance and the European Land and Soil Alliance (ELSA) e. V. as well as a partner of the Austrian climate rescuers scheme (’Klimarettungspartner’), Laakirchen has sought to develop creative campaigns to increase exploitation of renewable energy sources for many years now. In addition to financial support, the city believe in the role model function of the town, in the sharing of information and in public relations. In particular, reasonably-priced solutions for inhabitants are important so that they can reduce their CO2 consumption, thereby shaping themselves a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

A form of photovoltaic installation contracting allows the town of Laakirchen to pave its inhabitants’ way to reasonably-priced solar power generation. With the partner, E-Werk Wels AG, photovoltaic panels are being set up and run for all interested parties for a period of 12 years. Installation costs are covered almost entirely by the profit from electricity generated and, due to the 25-year output power guarantee on the panels, homeowners will then enjoy electricity from their own roof for at least 13 years, which equates to savings of up to € 16,000 after 25 years.

Every homeowner who participates in the campaign is guaranteed electricity generation on their solar roof for 25 years, thereby contributing to a reduction in CO2 emission of around 2 tons/year. Even when they do not benefit directly for the first 12 years, they will most definitely make an "investment" in their energy future and take advantage of the opportunity to distance themselves from the use of fossil fuels, as well as win themselves some financial independence